Did I mention that I’d really like to have my papers in order? And that I really don’t like bureaucracy? Well, those two don’t always go hand in hand.

Since I had my papers stolen a month ago, I went to the police three times: to announce the theft, to pick up the official declaration de vol and to verify my address. I also had the police come to my house to verify my address (once more). When I asked them whether they would give me a document with the verification, they said I should just go to the town hall on Thursday and I would be fine.

Well, today’s attempt to apply for my new identity card failed because I didn’t have the so-called convocation de police which I clearly should have received. Back at the police headquarters, the person responsible won’t be around until tomorrow.

That’s now seven visits to administrative offices in a month. It’ll take at least three more to get that one piece of paper I’m after. Patience.

In terms of comparison: it only took one visit to get my preliminary ID card in Germany. Two weeks later, my mum went to pick up the proper one. What if it’s easy?

Very excited this week: I’m back to school. At least in the evenings. And I love it. Monday was the first day of my 1-year Professional Diploma in Marketing. It’s a blended online class with a handful of workshops scattered throughout the year. The best part: Jotting down ideas and thoughts on articles and methodologies in the course logbook. No pressure to be perfect, no pressure to implement everything. I’m there to learn.

• Chartered Institute of Marketing – Professional Diploma in Marketing

I hit a major roadblock yesterday. No particular reason, I guess, apart from a lack of clarity of where people were at and what a workable process would be to get to a conclusion. I was completely exhausted and in tears at the end of the conference call. Bugger.

When I arrived in the office this morning, I wasn’t quite ready yet and needed more time to understand where I was at and what was bothering me. A quick check of the agenda and a phone call with my boss, and – tada – there was a day of leave.

It’s funny to have an unplanned day off: There’s some time to spend, but not too much and most of it alone. What do you do?

As my main goal was to re-energize and to re-connect, there was no point in spending much time intellectualizing about what was going on, but rather give my body and mind the space to do their work unconsciously. Here’s how I regained my centre: [Read more →]

People who are especially talented in the Connectedness theme have faith in the links between all things. They believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has a reason.

People who are especially talented in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.

People who are especially talented in the Relator theme enjoy close relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.

People who are especially talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. In particular, the process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.

People who are especially talented in the Arranger theme can organize, but they also have a flexibility that complements this ability. They like to figure out how all of the pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum productivity.

via Strengthsfinder 2.0